In this course we will explore the queens and women of Ancient Egypt. Although their social position was determined principally by the status of their fathers and husbands, women enjoyed a higher profile in Egyptian society than was possible in many other civilizations of the ancient world. They were equal with men before the law and, although only men were permitted to hold government office, the wife, mother or daughter of a king or prominent official could wield considerable influence. In the event of a king's minority, his mother might rule as regent. On rare occasions, as in the case of Hatshepsut, the stepmother of Thutmose III, a woman might even assume the full mantle of royal power and rule as king.
